UNHCR Comment on the Announcement of UK measures to address the asylum backlog

This news comment is attributable to Vicky Tennant, UNHCR Representative to the United Kingdom

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the UK Home Office’s announcement today that it will streamline the processing of certain manifestly well-founded claims for asylum. Removing the requirement for substantive interviews through the use of a questionnaire for asylum seekers from certain countries with very high grant rates should meaningfully reduce the current backlog of cases awaiting adjudication. Simultaneously, the procedure should uphold appropriate safeguards by maintaining individual interviews before any negative decisions are made.

UNHCR will continue to engage with the Home Office on the implementation of these reforms. It will be important that asylum-seekers understand what is required of them and have the opportunity to present their claims fully and accurately.

Fairly and efficiently determining claims for refugee status provides people who have fled war and persecution with much-needed certainty and legal protection. UNHCR’s longstanding position has been that the move from a standardized procedure for almost everyone claiming asylum in the UK towards a more targeted and differentiated response can contribute to optimizing and strengthening the asylum system.

Through the application of the new streamlined procedures, thousands of refugees who have waited months or even years in limbo should finally receive decisions on their claims – allowing them to begin rebuilding their lives, integrating in their communities and contributing to their new home in the United Kingdom. Over time, these measures should help contribute to a better-functioning asylum system overall. Reaching fair decisions that lead to certain and concrete outcomes is the best use of both government resources and the human potential of those seeking asylum.

UNHCR will continue to work closely with the UK Government to support further efforts to improve the fairness and efficiency of asylum case processing.

ENDS

Background: UNHCR's Guide to Asylum Reform is available here. 

Catherine Stubberfield, [email protected], +44 7880 230 985